Ovarian cancer is known as the silent killer, as it can go undetected in the early stages. Also, many of its symptoms can be mistaken for those of other non-cancerous conditions. Researchers suggest that women with ovarian cancer experience certain complications at some or the other point in time. Let us address some of these:

1. Bowel obstruction
Bowel obstruction may take place because of metastases in the pelvis and abdomen. It may also be a result of scar tissues that are formed following a pelvic or cancer treatment surgery. Scar tissue can result in twists and kinks in the bowels, thereby causing obstruction in the area. Some symptoms of bowel obstruction include vomiting, abdominal pain, and cramps. Usually, surgery is required if there is infection in the area surrounding the bowels.

2. Pleural effusion
This condition is characterized by the buildup of fluid amidst the thin membranes that line the interiors of the chest cavity and lungs. This can result in breathing difficulties, chest pain, and coughing, among many other symptoms.

3. Perforated colon
Ovarian cancer can metastasize to the intestinal wall. This can result in the weakening of the tissues, which sets the stage for bowel perforation. It causes the bowel contents to leak into the abdominal cavity, making it a fertile ground for infections. To bypass the affected bowel area, surgery may be needed.

4. Urinary retention
Ovarian cancer can spread to the pelvis and block the ureters, the tubes that run from the kidney to the bladder. When both the ureters are obstructed, your urine output will go down, rendering your bladder unable to empty itself of all the urine. However, when only one of them is blocked, there may be severe pain, or you may not experience any symptoms. It all depends on the precise location of the blockage. To overcome the blockage, a stent may have to be installed.

5. Ascites
In ascites, an unusual amount of fluids gets accumulated in the abdominal cavity. Because of ascites, you may experience breathlessness, bloating, loss of appetite, indigestion, and immense fatigue.

6. Nutritional issues
At times, ovarian cancer may make it hard for you to eat on your own. This may result in malnourishment. To overcome this, you may require parenteral nutrition, which caters to your body’s nutritional requirements intravenously.